Get the look: Pastels, southwestern motifs and more from the 1980s

While we should probably leave a few '80s decorating trends — like floor-length, vertical blinds and laminated kitchen cabinets — firmly in the past, there's something quite soothing and nostalgic about the Miami Vice-esque pastel palette, southwestern-style and faux tropical flora in the Carlson's family home for this era. 

Here are ten '80s-inspired decorative finds that you can proudly display today — they've proved more enduring than the boombox and VCR player that can also be spotted this week on Back In Time For Winter!

Head southwest

From flame-stitch pattern pillows to pastel landscapes to textured pottery and lamps, the Carlson family house reflects one of the decade's top decor trends: southwestern style. Look for pieces in the colours of desert sunsets that incorporate geometric motifs and imagery that evokes the American Southwest. 

Savafieh Dripping Stitches Neon Cotton Throw Pillow, $146.99 for two, Wayfair

Osprey Blu Vintage Southwestern Wedding Vase, about $105, One Kings Lane

Desert Cactus Tapestry, about $197, Anthropologie

Dorinda Printed Rug, from $79, Urban Outfitters

Zbase Pillow, $59.95, CB2

Embrace earthy pastels

Depending on your home, this week's very retro, teal-and-pink palette might be tricky to pull off on a large scale. But in small doses, or mixed with other earthy pastels — such as terracotta (which is having its own moment in the spotlight!), rose and peach — the result can be suddenly fresh and soothing. 

Terracotta Container, $24, June

The Poster Club Transition by Anna Mörner Poster, $69.95, Old Faithful Shop

Saxborga Storage Box, $19.99, Ikea

Feel tropical

Faux flowers and greenery were popular in the '80s, especially exotic, tropical style plants and leaves — the more bold and surreal, the better! You may not want to craft your own silk flower arrangement, but a few well-placed palm leaves or a great vase can set the same mood for today.  

Faux Botanicals Fan Palm, $29, West Elm

Flower Vases, $29.99 each, Arloca

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.